Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's, I'm not afraid of you!

"Stars" are also losing face

5 June 2004, at his home in California ranch, the 40th US President Ronald Reagan has died at the age of 93 years. The man whom the Americans called the "Great Communicator", in the last days of his life was unable to recognize his wife Nancy and their two children, whom he could not already talk.

The cause of death of Ronald Reagan was pneumonia, occurring against the backdrop of Alzheimer's disease.

About 50% of people over 85 years suffer from Alzheimer's disease. This brain disease is characterized by impaired memory, disorder of thinking (in the later stages), speaking and perception. The sharp deterioration of memory is the first symptom of Alzheimer's disease; and then the person loses the orientation in time, when new information is poorly stored and continuously mixed with memories from the past.

An even more frightening symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are loss of identity, delusions, hallucinations and other mental disorders, when, in general, not yet completely decrepit man falls out of life.
Today, more than 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and the annual cost of their treatment and care in the US healthcare system is 200 billion dollars. The number of cases of Alzheimer's disease is growing by exponentially increasing rate, and now it meets every eight people over the age of 65 years. Experts estimate that by 2050 the number of such patients will reach 16 million, and the financial costs will exceed a trillion dollars.

Causes of senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (Alzheimer's disease) are not yet fully established; most often the disease is associated with the formation of amyloid protein plaques in the brain, which are "poisoning" neural synapses and hinder the normal course of the chemical and electrical activity in the brain. Researchers do not yet know whether these plaques are the cause of Alzheimer's disease or byproduct of cellular metabolism, accumulation of which gives rise to memory disorder.

However, the most disturbing fact is that there are still no satisfactory results of clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease - even those which have shown themselves promising in pre-clinical studies.

At the same time, many studies suggest that physical and mental activity and a balanced diet can not only prevent but also slow down the flow of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. This also requires the timely receipt of certain types of food supplements containing substances which are positive action to preserve brain function that has been conclusively proven.

In this brief summary, I'd like to report some of the results of recent research in the field of alternative and complementary medicine, the knowledge of which can increase your chances of surviving in good health and sober memory to the very elderly.

Stay "fit"!

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, reported the results of a survey of health and mental abilities of 460 people born in 1932. Initially, the study participants were tested at the age of 11 years, and then the same general cognitive test was performed at the age of 79 years. The researchers also measured the force of hand pressure, time of 6-meter walking and lung function. The results showed a positive correlation between physical condition and cognitive functions (2006, October).

In a more recent study conducted by researchers from the Section of Physical Education and Sports of North Carolina University, it have been tested 90 healthy elderly women, carriers of a gene predisposing to the development of Alzheimer's disease, in order to determine the relationship of cognitive function with aerobic capacity. Those who were the highest aerobic capacity, showed significantly higher results of acoustical and verbal tests, countable tests and speed of problem solving (2007, January).

Latest studies have shown that people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who had poor physical shape, the reduction of the brain volume was four times higher than those with good physical form. Researchers believe that physical exercises have a direct impact on the preservation of brain volume, but preservation of brain volume contributes to the preservation of its functions (2008, June).

They evaluate the results of walking on the treadmill, the consumption of oxygen (aerobic capacity), the results of mental tests and brain scans. It has been found a clear positive correlation between physical exercises and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Physical activity can be the most effective way of improving cognitive performance in old age, as well as general health. Previous study has shown that physical exercises can help protect the brain from the effects of aging. The results described above are among the first, which allows extending this protection also to people with Alzheimer's disease.

Cogito ergo sum

Researchers of the Alzheimer Center of B. Rush in Chicago, in collaboration with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed 700 elderly people. Their ability to cognitive activity was estimated every year, for five years.

Ninety of these people have Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have discovered a link between the intensity of mental activity and a decrease in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, and also mild cognitive impairment and the rate of decline in mental abilities. Those who did not have the slightest mental stimulation were 2.6 times more likely to get the disease.

The results were evaluated according to the level and duration of mental activity in the past, the current social and physical activity, and baseline cognitive function. It turned out that the main thing is the current level of mental stimulation - everything that was in the past has no effect (2007, July).

The source of mental activity may be all that awakens your interest and makes you think - whether it is sports, learning new skills, sports "fanaticism" or chatting with friends - the more, the better.

"Smart" diet against Alzheimer's

This idea is not new. It has long been known that diet and lifestyle play an important role in disease prevention. It is known, for example, that obesity in middle age increases the risk of dementia in oldness. May not always be sure to stick to any diet, but in life there are times when you have to watch yourself very carefully.

According to one medical theory, the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease are partly the result of metabolic disturbances that reduce insulin levels in brain tissue. Therefore, some scientists call Alzheimer's disease "diabetes type III".

This is also consistent with the fact that, on doctor's advice, in order to prevent Alzheimer's disease is required to follow a diet low in fat and carbohydrates, that is, with a low glycemic index, as well as in diabetes. Such a diet includes vegetables, fruits (but not any!), whole grains and lean meats.

There are also some products that are useful to use, even if you are not a supporter of any particular diet - they are tasty and useful. Jean Carper, American journalist and a recognized authority on health and nutrition, in an interview for "USA Weekend", named among such products curry.

This popular sauce includes turmeric, yellow-orange spice from the arsenal of the Indian and Asian cuisine. Scientists have found that turmeric may help prevent the formation of plaques in the brain and even cause them to fail.

The active ingredient of turmeric - curcumin - is an antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects. Recently completed studies of scientists from California University (2011) have shown that Alzheimer's patients treated with curcumin, get relief.

Green tea

It has been discovered even previously, that green tea is able to slow down the aging brain, helping to prevent memory impairment, cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It was noted that in elderly Japanese men and women who drank more than 2 cups of green tea a day, the odds of cognitive impairment were reduced by more than half!

Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan have observed 1003 people over 70 years, comparing the consumption of green tea and mental condition using a standardized test to assess cognitive function.
At each level of cognitive impairment, from mild to severe in those who drank more green tea, cognitive dysfunction were less than those who drank little green tea.

Those who drink 4 to 6 cups of green tea per week (i.e., about one cup per day), the risk of cognitive disorders was 38% lower compared to those who drank less than three cups per week; and those who drank more than two cups of tea a day, there was reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment by 54%. In Japan, tea cup contains about 3.2 ounces (90 ml) of liquid.

The main protective substance in green tea is EGCG, a powerful antioxidant, which, according to the researchers, promotes detoxification of ?-amyloid - protein, which is associated with the cause of Alzheimer's disease. EGCG also neutralizes (chelates) toxic iron in brain cells. Also, as it follows from the results of recent Israeli study, EGCG may even stop the degeneration of brain cells and stimulate new cell growth, making it a potential treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Cinnamon

Employees of the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University published a report stating that the cinnamon, which can be found in any kitchen, can play a key role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. However, studies were conducted on an extract of cinnamon sufficiently high concentration.

The healing power of cinnamon has been known since biblical times, when priests were often used different spices to protect against infectious diseases. Interest to cinnamon in terms of its impact on the development of Alzheimer's disease was caused by its antiviral properties, as well as recently confirmed antidiabetic action, as it was found that the extract of cinnamon cells stimulates insulin receptors, lowering blood glucose levels as much as 30%.

In experiments in mice, held for four months, the researchers found that the progression of the disease in animals has slowed dramatically, and the level of activity and longevity of sick mice was comparable to the control group.

In the study "in vitro", scientists have found that cinnamon extract destroys amyloid clusters in a laboratory environment. Many natural substances such as resveratrol, curcumin and anthocyanins of blueberry, showed positive results in the prevention of this devastating form of dementia, but so far there is no therapy that is able to reverse the course of the disease. In this respect, according to Professor Michael Ovadia, results of the study are extremely encouraging.

Scientists, however, did not report how many of cinnamon was used to obtain these results. Meanwhile, nutrition experts recommend a daily basis to add cinnamon to eat food or take 500 mg of cinnamon bark extract in the form of dietary supplements.

Speaking of supplements

Diet and physical exercises - it is not the only thing that can help your brain to resist the devastating disease. There are also many proven natural substances that help the natural way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Studies confirm the feasibility of taking vitamins D and E, folic acid, as well as the effectiveness of fish oil supplements, ginkgo and resveratrol as effective steps to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Here are the results of recent studies of the effect of certain natural substances in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and its progression.

Fish oil

Animal studies have shown that a diet high in omega-3 fish oil prevent the accumulation in the brain of beta-amyloids - proteins that are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, researchers are finding out whether one of the components of fish oil, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can to slow the progression of the disease that destroys cognitive abilities in the elderly.

Recent American and European studies have shown that in people with high blood levels of DHA, the probability of developing dementia is approximately two-fold lower than those with lower levels of DHA. This is much better than that provided by anti-Alzheimer's drugs which are currently available on the market (2007, May).

Resveratrol

In "British Journal of Pharmacology", it was recently reported that the accumulation of plaques occurs in endothelial nitric oxide (eNO) deficiency, which broken blood pressure, glucose and lipid levels in the brain. Resveratrol improves eNO levels in the brain and reduces exposure of amyloid plaques that accompany Alzheimer's disease.

In a published study, it was found that the plaques begin to accumulate in the nerve synapses with a decrease in production of eNO. Increasing the concentration of amyloids leads to multiplication of free radicals, which cause extensive damage to the fine structure of the brain, which leads to a disorder of cognitive function and memory (2012 January).

Resveratrol activates an enzyme that stimulates the production of eNO and blocks the cycle of amyloid plaques formation. Studies have shown that resveratrol slows the formation of plaques, and hence, the progression of Alzheimer's disease, as much as 90 percent!

Studies have also shown that, along with resveratrol (which is found in red grapes and red wine), to reduce the risks associated with the aging of the brain and cognitive impairment, it can be also used blueberries and grape seed extract. Their action blocks the activation of the specific genes responsible for the progression of dementia and memory disorders.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is used in medicine for thousands of years and today remains one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Studies show that ginkgo is able to improve blood circulation and protect nerve tissue, including the brain against damage associated with aging. Ginkgo biloba extract is used for intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs), tinnitus, Raynaud's disease, as well as to limit the post-stroke brain damage and improve memory.

Ginkgo is also one of the most studied medicinal plants. In many publications it is said that the ginkgo extract (at doses ranging from 120 to 240 mg per day) helps in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and multi-dementia not less than acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (Aricept).

Although research carried in 2002 under the auspices of the U.S. National Institute of Aging on more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 showed that taking 120 mg of ginkgo for 6 weeks did not improve memory, but experts believe that, perhaps, this study was too short to get the result, or the dose was insufficient.

Currently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine conducts large clinical trials of ginkgo in more than 3,000 volunteers. The goal is to determine whether ginkgo prevents the onset of dementia, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease; whether slows the onset of cognitive and functional disability (e.g., inability to cooking); whether decreases the frequency of cardiovascular disease; whether decreases the level of premature mortality. Studies carried out on healthy males and females at least 75 years of age who are given dosage of ginkgo biloba to 240 mg, and placebo in control group.

The analytical review posted in 2007 in "Antioxidants and Redox Signaling" discussed mechanisms of ginkgo work in brain cells. It is believed that the basis for age-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease, is created by a disruption of the cellular "power plants" called mitochondria induced by cell damage caused by free radicals.

Therefore, ginkgo biloba can play a very specific role in the regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, acting as a powerful scavenger of several kinds of active oxygen species (free radicals). Reducing the amount of free radicals can prevent the formation of microscopic plaques and protein clusters inside and outside of the brain cells, which provoke Alzheimer's disease.

Research that will put final point can be very time consuming. But not all of us have enough time to wait for "iron proof" of the effectiveness of natural therapy, so the best time to start taking supplements - that is the average age.

Given the dire consequences for the health and general well-being, which leads cognitive impairment, and the opinion of many progressive scientists and physicians, prophylactic intake of dietary supplements such as ginkgo and resveratrol, can be considered a safe and effective way to get many health benefits.

Vitamin D

Recent studies also indicate that vitamin D may play a very important role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. British scientists have found that low levels of vitamin D in the body increases the risk of senile dementia.

Studies in Krebs Biomolecule Institute (University of Sheffield) have shown that one of the forms of vitamin D, in conjunction with curcumin increases the ability of the immune system to purify brain amyloid plaques.

According to a systematic review published by Dr. Cynthia Balion with staff from the Department of Molecular Medicine, McMaster University (Canada), the results of 37 studies provide a reasonable basis in order to deal with the identification of the causal relationship between vitamin D levels and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Two studies have also shown that women who do not get enough vitamin D in middle age, more often faced with the disorder of mental abilities and become ill with Alzheimer's disease.

These data were obtained by Dr. Aveyler (Angers, France) on the material of 500 women and also by Elena Slinin (Virginia, USA) according to the 6257 testing of older women. Levels of vitamin D in the blood serum lower than 20 ng per milliliter gives a higher chance to get mental decline.

Scientists believe that women especially need to get enough vitamin D, either from sunlight or from food and dietary supplements.

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This article is for informational purposes only; It does not replace a visit to a doctor or professional advice.

This article is copyrighted by Alexander Yezovit. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Alexander Yezovit.